News and Blog Report: Training camp & Preseason News & Notes, **New Pole Added**

[belair]

I think this organization needs to foster competition so I'd be reluctant to flush Lavoie (assuming he cleared). This is a shallow prospect pool so moving on from guys still in development cycle needs to carefully managed. They've already farmed out Tullio and Chiasson.

They could move The Drake around the lineup while fostering competition between Petrov and Lavoie for right shot left wing options in the top six. Frankly moving both between LW and RW can be another consideration to grow their versatility. Neither are really well situated for bottom six recall considerations though Lavoie would be closer with age and experience.

I think Petrov will be better served with a strong competitive situation. He was surprisingly quiet in the rookie tournament and an early farm out from main camp. This should be good motivation to dig within to work on his skills, two-way play, and mental maturity. Lots of raw talent but time to put it together with clear focus from within.

I'm not suggesting that Lavoie be flushed. I'd prefer he be moved for a prospect like Matthew Robertson, assuming he were to clear, who addresses an immediate area of organizational need.

I feel that the Oilers are at a point where Lavoie doesn't fit into the Oilers' plans if he doesn't make the roster out of the gate this season. On the farm he takes up a lot of space, being a primary scorer and top PP option. At 24, the likelihood of that leading to NHL success diminishes.

I'm not suggesting that opportunities be handed to lesser prospects, but it's difficult seeing Chaulk move away from the comfort of the proven option Lavoie gives him.

That being said, camp isn't done yet and Raphael Lavoie is still in Edmonton.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

I'm not suggesting that Lavoie be flushed. I'd prefer he be moved for a prospect like Matthew Robertson, assuming he were to clear, who addresses an immediate area of organizational need.

I feel that the Oilers are at a point where Lavoie doesn't fit into the Oilers' plans if he doesn't make the roster out of the gate this season. On the farm he takes up a lot of space, being a primary scorer and top PP option. At 24, the likelihood of that leading to NHL success diminishes.

I'm not suggesting that opportunities be handed to lesser prospects, but it difficult seeing Chaulk move away from the comfort of the proven option Lavoie gives him.

That being said, camp isn't done yet and Raphael Lavoie is still in Edmonton.

Yes, that makes sense. I've been speculating about a prospective deal like waiver eligibles Kostin/Samaroukov who both organizations flipped from their depth strength. That could be LD or even another hard ice middle forward type with some latent upside.

The Oilers still have largely old top nine wings so can't necessarily rule out Lavoie for short-term future, assuming the player cleared. It would still be a big bet with no certainty that Petrov finds his pro footing with legitimate top 6/9 NHL potential. Lavoie is a top 10 AHL goal scorer, among the youngest of those ten, blocked with a heavy veteran mature window organization.

This is a very shallow prospect pool with minimal talent anywhere near NHL ready. Just have to mitigate against losing more decent depth options without return.

 

[Oilhawks]

Gee who didn’t see this coming after losing 3 RD this off season. Oilers gambling big time here.

Broberg isn't an RD, who is the third?

They did the prudent thing given the circumstances and have taken a gamble on affordable options. It is too early to say whether or not those were successful or unsuccessful gambles. I'm certain that if Emberson ends up being the 3RD and is not capable of being a sufficient partner for Nurse, they will obtain another RD.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

Broberg isn't an RD, who is the third?

They did the prudent thing given the circumstances and have taken a gamble on affordable options. It is too early to say whether or not those were successful or unsuccessful gambles. I'm certain that if Emberson ends up being the 3RD and is not capable of being a sufficient partner for Nurse, they will obtain another RD.

Cup contenders don't gamble on some kid who has played 30 NHL games total, being able to play top 4 minutes

all our hopes are tied with Emberson cause Stetcher ain't the solution, neither is Brown...and I'm sure GMs around the league are dying to give us a RH top 4 d-man with the precious few assets we have (basically a 2nd rounder this year...or a 1st in 20206)

 

[Oilhawks]

Cup contenders don't gamble on some kid who has played 30 NHL games total, being able to play top 4 minutes

all our hopes are tied with Emberson cause Stetcher ain't the solution, neither is Brown...and I'm sure GMs around the league are dying to give us a RH top 4 d-man with the precious few assets we have (basically a 2nd rounder this year...or a 1st in 20206)

Yeah, you said it. Clearly there wasn’t a trade out there for an established RD (especially one that they can actually afford), so they’re rolling the dice

What else were they supposed to do?

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Yeah, you said it. Clearly there wasn’t a trade out there for an established RD (especially one that they can actually afford), so they’re rolling the dice

What else were they supposed to do?

I wonder if guys like Schultz and Shattenkirk would consider 1 year deals at this point that could be buried if worse got to worst? 1 year $1.25 million, take it or leave it. Add the 2nd year if they want security.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

I'm not suggesting that Lavoie be flushed. I'd prefer he be moved for a prospect like Matthew Robertson, assuming he were to clear, who addresses an immediate area of organizational need.

I feel that the Oilers are at a point where Lavoie doesn't fit into the Oilers' plans if he doesn't make the roster out of the gate this season. On the farm he takes up a lot of space, being a primary scorer and top PP option. At 24, the likelihood of that leading to NHL success diminishes.

I'm not suggesting that opportunities be handed to lesser prospects, but it difficult seeing Chaulk move away from the comfort of the proven option Lavoie gives him.

That being said, camp isn't done yet and Raphael Lavoie is still in Edmonton.

The argument against this is injuries happen. Just because Lavoie doesn't have a clear spot now, doesn't mean that'll be the case for an 82 game season, or even in 10 games from now. Especially when we're betting on someone like Arvidsson, who struggled to stay healthy last year and is another year older.

The Oil can start their "next-in-line" grinders in Bakersfield, as Hamblin and Philp don't need to go through waivers. And while I like Savoie, he hasn't made a strong case this preseason that he's NHL ready right now; Jarventie is also coming back from a knee injury and we don't know where he's at. Beyond Lavoie, the Oil don't a lot of "yeah, he should be ready to step in" offensive talent.


This isn't comparable to Samo, where the Oil didn't have a spot for him and had a decent group (Vinny, Niemo, and Broberg) right behind him. If the Oil want someone like Robertson or Bjornfot they can grab them off waivers.

 

[McDNicks17]

Cup contenders don't gamble on some kid who has played 30 NHL games total, being able to play top 4 minutes

all our hopes are tied with Emberson cause Stetcher ain't the solution, neither is Brown...and I'm sure GMs around the league are dying to give us a RH top 4 d-man with the precious few assets we have (basically a 2nd rounder this year...or a 1st in 20206)

"All of our hopes" aren't tied to them. It's tied to the deadline move when they actually have cap space to make an addition.

It's no different than when Florida limped through half the season playing a rookie defenseman until Ekblad got healthy last year.

 

[94 Oil Drops]

Gee who didn’t see this coming after losing 3 RD this off season. Oilers gambling big time here.

So much for winning the division (again.) I would expect a lot of turbulence to start the season. Not as bad as last year perhaps but it will definitely rattle a lot of folks here. I feel bad for Emberson. He's going to be the fans next scapegoat because the lack of depth on defense is going to force him into the top 4.

Will the defense be improved at the deadline? Probably but don't expect us to have much home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

 

[Whoshattenkirkshoes]

So much for winning the division (again.) I would expect a lot of turbulence to start the season. Not as bad as last year perhaps but it will definitely rattle a lot of folks here. I feel bad for Emberson. He's going to be the fans next scapegoat because the lack of depth on defense is going to force him into the top 4.

Will the defense be improved at the deadline? Probably but don't expect us to have much home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

O please...

The division is definitely within reach.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

"All of our hopes" aren't tied to them. It's tied to the deadline move when they actually have cap space to make an addition.

It's no different than when Florida limped through half the season playing a rookie defenseman until Ekblad got healthy last year.

it is different than Florida since they didn't need to go searching for a defenseman, just needed to wait 30 games until Ekblad returned
Forsling, Montour, OEL and Mikkola were far more established than Emberson is

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Broberg isn't an RD, who is the third?

They did the prudent thing given the circumstances and have taken a gamble on affordable options. It is too early to say whether or not those were successful or unsuccessful gambles. I'm certain that if Emberson ends up being the 3RD and is not capable of being a sufficient partner for Nurse, they will obtain another RD.

He was playing RD and was expected to play there this season. Yes I agree they couldn’t meet the offer sheet but they gambled letting 3 RD go this season and instead bulking up line 2. It doesn’t sound like Emberson is meeting early expectations from the Bobfather. But again, gambling that a 30 game player will fit the role of a 2nd pair RD.

I fully expect they will get a RD but doing so from a position of weakness isn’t the smartest move and one the Oilers keep repeating.

The hole on RD has been there now for many years. It’s gaping wide open now.

 

[McDNicks17]

it is different than Florida since they didn't need to go searching for a defenseman, just needed to wait 30 games until Ekblad returned
Forsling, Montour, OEL and Mikkola were far more established than Emberson is

Emberson is more experienced than Uvis Balinskis, the rookie I was taking about.

And if that’s the difference you’re worried about, it sounds like you should wait to complain when they can’t find anyone instead of complaining now for no reason.

 

[Oilslick941611]

So much for winning the division (again.) I would expect a lot of turbulence to start the season. Not as bad as last year perhaps but it will definitely rattle a lot of folks here. I feel bad for Emberson. He's going to be the fans next scapegoat because the lack of depth on defense is going to force him into the top 4.

Will the defense be improved at the deadline? Probably but don't expect us to have much home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

I think some people are acting entitled that will get back to the finals almost like it’s owed to us. It’s gonna be a rough season. It always was. It was a very short offseason. Our D was going to be an issue anyway with ceci and Broberg or not. I personally don’t think our D is that much worse than last year, it is worse though and I have faith it will be addressed over the year.

He was playing RD and was expected to play there this season. Yes I agree they couldn’t meet the offer sheet but they gambled letting 3 RD go this season and instead bulking up line 2. It doesn’t sound like Emberson is meeting early expectations from the Bobfather. But again, gambling that a 30 game player will fit the role of a 2nd pair RD.

I fully expect they will get a RD but doing so from a position of weakness isn’t the smartest move and one the Oilers keep repeating.

The hole on RD has been there now for many years. It’s gaping wide open now.

And him playing on his off side is one the reasons he didn’t want to stick around.

It looks like he hasn’t stuck out at blues camp. People over there are just calling him fine. They seem impressed with Holloway though.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

Emberson is more experienced than Uvis Balinskis, the rookie I was taking about.

And if that’s the difference you’re worried about, it sounds like you should wait to complain when they can’t find anyone instead of complaining now for no reason.

Balinskis played bottom pair minutes at 14 mins/night, Emberson is expected to play next to Nurse in the second pair...that's a massive difference

they've downgraded their defensive core and depth, there's no debate...Ceci, Desharnais and Broberg are better and more established NHLers than Emberson, Stecher and Brown

and yes, I'm worried they've put themselves in a weaker and more desperate position to fill an extremely important role

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Oiler fans - trade ceci!

Also Oiler fans - our defense sucks without ceci

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

I think some people are acting entitled that will get back to the finals almost like it’s owed to us. It’s gonna be a rough season. It always was. It was a very short offseason. Our D was going to be an issue anyway with ceci and Broberg or not. I personally don’t think our D is that much worse than last year, it is worse though and I have faith it will be addressed over the year.


And him playing on his off side is one the reasons he didn’t want to stick around.

It looks like he hasn’t stuck out at blues camp. People over there are just calling him fine. They seem impressed with Holloway though.

For sure they blew it with Brobergs development and that’s largely on that moron Woodcock and Holland. But that has resulted in a huge hole on RD that I doubt any of Emberson, Stetcher, Brown or Dermott will successfully fill.

The Oilers made the conscious decision to add 2 high end forwards and leave the hole at RD unattended knowing Broberg was not a happy camper.

Perhaps getting a 2RD versus Jeff Skinner was the correct play? Either way it’s a gamble. They absolutely now must go get one but will have to wait to accrue cap space in order to do so.

Oiler fans - trade ceci!

Also Oiler fans - our defense sucks without ceci

I was one of the few who was not on the trade Ceci bandwagon. That said by not effectively replacing him this off season to me isn’t the smartest move.

 

[bobbythebrain]

I think some people are acting entitled that will get back to the finals almost like it’s owed to us. It’s gonna be a rough season. It always was. It was a very short offseason. Our D was going to be an issue anyway with ceci and Broberg or not. I personally don’t think our D is that much worse than last year, it is worse though and I have faith it will be addressed over the year.


And him playing on his off side is one the reasons he didn’t want to stick around.

It looks like he hasn’t stuck out at blues camp. People over there are just calling him fine. They seem impressed with Holloway though.

Entitled? No. Informed? Yes.

They improved immensely upfront, and all we lost on the back end was Ceci. So I highly doubt that affects our playoff chances in the slightest.
As for the playoffs, they got a whole season and the TDL to add to the D and fill Brobergs spot.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

Oiler fans - trade ceci!

Also Oiler fans - our defense sucks without ceci

trading Ceci is fine...if you have someone better coming in to replace him

not a bunch of "maybes"

 

[CupofOil]

Gee who didn’t see this coming after losing 3 RD this off season. Oilers gambling big time here.

I mean, it's the same exact question marks they had going into last season. This isn't anything new.

Ceci was more established so we knew what we had in him but they had to get his salary off the books and take the chance on bringing in somebody different with a different dimension that might have more upside. Options were limited, cap is limited until it accrues so I have no problem with how Jackson/Bowman played this and I think people will see in time that it was the right move to move on from Ceci, not overpay Desharnais and bring in different types of Dmen.

Bottom line is that the Oilers were limited with Ceci and Desharnais, at least with Emberson and accrued cap space (which they wouldn't have had with Ceci and Desharnais here), there's room for growth.

 

[On The Prowl]

I would just sign Barrie, he looked pretty good in the game against Edmonton in Calgary.

 

[McShogun99]

I would just sign Barrie, he looked pretty good in the game against Edmonton in Calgary.

He's already got proven chemistry with Nurse, plays a style the Oilers like and can play on PP1 if Bouchard gets injured. I don't remember if he's any good on the PK or if he ever PKs which is something we need right now.

 

[On The Prowl]

He's already got proven chemistry with Nurse, plays a style the Oilers like and can play on PP1 if Bouchard gets injured. I don't remember if he's any good on the PK or if he ever PKs which is something we need right now.

He also is great in the locker room, you just know the team would be thrilled to have him back.

 

[K1984]

A few weeks ago I scoffed at Barrie coming here, but I'm sure he'd sign if we offered him a deal. Him and Shattenkirk are probably a wash at this point, but I think that either one is probably the best we're going to do with what's available.

Barrie is familiar, so bring him in until we find something better.

 

[Oilslick941611]

Entitled? No. Informed? Yes.

They improved immensely upfront, and all we lost on the back end was Ceci. So I highly doubt that affects our playoff chances in the slightest.
As for the playoffs, they got a whole season and the TDL to add to the D and fill Brobergs spot.

I said as much in my post.

Fans here are absolutely entitled in regards to getting back to the finals, look at the discourse with Holloway and Broberg speaking like it's a fact they gave up winning the cup to sign the offer sheets.

I don't think Brobergs moves the needle for us in a way whether he was on the Oilers this year or not. I do think we will miss Ceci, He wasn't as useless as people here think/thought. But I have full faith we will get help by the deadline.

Im just saying we need to calm our tits as a fanbase with regards acting like the cup is ours. We will compete for it provided our D gets taken care.